Folding table construction



Oct. 17, 1933. w. GI'LLOOLY FOLDING TABLE CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 18, 1931 53 Z3 ZZ/ZZz'am GzZZoo Zy Patented Oct. 17, 1933 1,111,931,182 FOLDING [TABLE ooNs'rRUo'rron William joint-01y, stream; 111., assignor to Metal ration of Illinois I Stampings Corporation, 'Streator, 111., a eorpo- Application September 18, 1931 Serial No. 563,627 a 2, Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in folding tables and, more especially, a light small table such as a card table, the legs of which are adapted to fold up under the top.

Among the features of my invention is an improved hinge construction for the legs, together with improved stop and latch'mechanism. By the use of my invention a very strong rigid construction is accomplished. The legs may be 10 easily folded into closed position or opened ready for use.

Another feature of my invention is the pro- 7 vision of improved means for attaching the leg to the depending rim of the table without the use of screws. This permits the use of a relatively thin rim and at the same time gives a very strong, rigid and permanent construction.

Other features and advantages of my invention will appear more fully as I proceed with my specification.

In that form of device'embodying the features of my invention shown in the accompanying drawing Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of one of the legs showing the same open; Fig. 2 is a similar View from the other side; Fig. 3 is a view taken as indicated by the line 3 of Fig.- 1; Fig. 4 is a view taken as indicated by the line 4 of Fig. 1; Fig.

- 5 is a view taken as indicated by the line 5 of Fig.

with a leg at each corner. Since the construction and operation of the hinged stop and latch mechanism are the same in each case, it is necessary to show only one corner of the table.

Numeral 12 indicates a U-shaped supporting member attached to the inner surface of the-rim 11 at the corner. As here shown, this, supporting member may be made of sheet metal.

I claim invention in the novel means of attaching the member 12 to the rim 11. Heretofore, difliculty has been experienced in attaching metal plates of this kind to relatively thin pieces of wood such as the rim 11. If short screws were used, they were likely to pull out. If rivets were used extending entirely through the rim 11, the heads showed on the outside in an objectionable manner. In order to remedy these defects, I inset in the rim 11 a thinner piece of wood 11 to which the plate 12 isrivetedby means of the rivet 13. The piece 11* may be held in position by gluing.

11. It is to be understood that the table is square If desired, itsedges may be rabbeted or under- I supporting member 12. The other end of the piv-,

otpin 15 is supported in a hole in the other arm 12 of the supporting member12. indicates a cap member covering the top of the leg 14 provided with a sleeve 18 engaging the pivot pin 15 to form the hinge connection.

The entire U -shaped supporting member is in- Numeral 17 v. v

dicated, in general, by 12. 12 indicates the bight portion. Suitable stop and latch'mechanism is attached to the arm 12 This includes a piece 19 with its lower end bent toward the leg and slightly upwardly, as indicated by 20, to form a stop. The upper end of the piece 19, is bent downwardly to form a hook 21 to engage the upper end of a spring catch 22, the latter being yieldingly pressed outwardly by a spiral spring 23. The leg is provided with a projecting part 24 adapted to engage the'projecting part or stop 20. The parts 24 and 20 are adapted to engage when thefleg is fully opened to limit further movement of the same. When in this position,

the spring 23 will force the catch 22 outwardly, as shown in Fig. 1,. so that its lower end will ride upon the upper slanting surface 24 on top of the part 24 and lock the leg in open position.

Release mechanism is provided for releasing the catch 22. This includes a releasing pin 25 extending through the upper end of the'leg 14. The inner end of the pin 25 is bent upwardly, as indicated by 25 and is adapted to engage the lower end of the catch 22when the pin 25'is pressed inwardly. The bent end 25 of the pin ,25 operates throu'gh'a suitable slot 24* in the part 24. The part 20 is also provided with a slot 20 to accommodate the end of this releasing pin.

In opening the -table, the leg is swung. into, vertical position when. the parts 2st and 20 will engage and the catch 22 be forced outwardly with its lower end above the part 24. Whenthe table is to be folded, the pin 25 is pressedtoward the catch 22 to release the same from the part 24 when the leg may be folded.

r The catch 221s provided with a notch 22 embracing the sleeve 18 and Serving tohold it in position.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the appended claims, in which it is my inten+ tion to claim all novelty inherent in my invention as' broadly as permissible, in view of the prior art. 1

What I regard as new, and desire to secure 'by Letters Patent, is: e e

1. Means for attaching a metal plate to a relatively thin wooden support, including; athinner piece of wood to which the plate is riveted, said piece being inset in the support.

carried by one arm of the U-shaped'member, said catch adapted to be sprung over the projecting part on the leg when the leg is fully open; and a releasing pin extending through the leg and adapted to engage the catch to release the same when the pin is pressed.

o WILLIAM GILLOOLY. 

